The Power of Touch

Welcome to our May Newsletter: The Power of Touch

Touch is the first language we acquire at birth and research suggests that it is even the first sense we develop in vitro. Through physical touch we communicate our emotions and identify the feelings of others. In this newsletter, we will explore the importance of touch and how it can be our most available healing agent. 

Neuroscientist David Linden, author of The Science of Hand, Heart and Mind, believes that of the five senses, touch is the most overlooked, and perhaps the most important for promoting psychological health.  He claims that touch radically affects individual development. Just as importantly, touch creates and reinforces social bonds, inspires loyalty, encourages co-operation and enthuses sports teams.

BODY/MIND CONNECTION

Our skin is primed with sensors, some of which detect mechanical stimuli, such as vibration and pressure, while free nerve endings respond to temperature and pain. These sensations are transmitted from the skin to the spinal cord and thence to the brain, in regions known as the primary and secondary somatosensory cortices. These somatosensory cortices report to the brain’s emotional-processing areas, which is how our tactile experiences become laced with meaning.

THERAPEUTIC TOUCH

As a body psychotherapist practicing cranial sacral therapy, I use touch to shift the autonomic nervous system from sympathetic activation to parasympathetic activation, a more neutral position. Due to the combined effect of the neurotransmitters oxytocin, endorphins and serotonin, touch is the single most efficient method to reduce anxiety and create a sensation of ease and trust. When consensual and appropriate, touch has the ability to strengthen the social interaction and contact ability between client and therapist.  Loving touch can build new pathways and correct maladaptive ones left by trauma. Once learned, skills acquired in the therapy room become available and transferable in life outside the therapeutic setting. 

HOW IT WORKS

When the relational field between practitioner and client settles, a safe holding environment is created.  It is in this special relationship of deep honoring and listening to the client’s system that something truly remarkable happens. As the practitioner “holds” the energy in this way it allows for the system to let go. Franklin Sills, founder of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, calls this quiet space “stillpoint” and teaches that in this space of total unconditional regard a fundamental shift happens within the client. The system reorients from its current conditions and suffering to inherent health. An innate wisdom from within gets “plugged into” the larger Wisdom that Is.  In this sacred time together the “me” becomes “we” and the “inherent treatment plan” specific for this moment is mobilized. It is pure Grace and a blessing for both giver and receiver. 

HEALING HANDS

Everyone has these gifts available to them in their own hands.  You simply need to sit quietly, with curiosity. Trust is a big word and not a necessary condition but it certainly helps.  Try these simple exercises. You can do them either sitting up or laying down. Begin by sending gratitude for the healing that is about to take place and end with thanks for the healing received.

TO CALM THE NERVOUS SYSTEM:

  1. Imagine there is an opening at the top of your head. Invite light to enter.

  2. Through your “third eye” (the place between your eyebrows), “see” light entering your body and flowing down your arms to your hands.

  3. Lay one hand on your heart and the other on your stomach. Imagine light connecting these areas. Sit and observe. You might feel heat, sensations, pulsation, and swirling movement. Just observe. Stay with this as long as it feels right, allowing your internal wisdom to direct you.

TO RELEASE FEAR:

  1. Lay one hand on your forehead and the other on the lower part of the back of your head and upper neck. The polarity between your hands creates an energetic link to the hypothalamus and sedates the kidney meridian fear points. Stay as long as feels right

  2. You can also lay both hands on your back at the kidney area.

FOR SELF-LOVE:

  1. Starting at your head or your feet (top or bottom), place your hands on each body part

  2. Bring your attention to this part and offer gratitude for how it supports you
    Example: Thank you feet for helping me walk and go forward in life

  3. Work your way up or down your system. Notice parts that may be more challenging, they may need more time. Try to leave all judgments aside.

  4. When you are finished with your entire body, end by inviting an image of wholeness. I like to "see" an outline, or a template, of the whole body

  5. Sit with this image of wholeness and send love

Practice loving touch with yourself and others every day.  You will begin to get direction on where to place your hands.  Listen, play, give and receive. 

Communication between the mind and the body will strengthen your immune system and help maintain homeostasis within the body.  Remember it is usually not the stress that harms us but our response to it.  Simple coping skills like the ones listed above can help to reduce stress and improve health.

RESOURCES AND FURTHER READINGS:

I hope you found this newsletter helpful. I welcome any and all feedback and would love to hear any suggestions you might have for future newsletters.

With love and light,
Judy Choix

Judy Choix